Senior Membership (Ages 18 and Older)
Description
Senior Membership is intended for adults who want to serve as operational members of our fire and EMS agency. No previous fire or EMS experience is required. The agency provides opportunities to receive training and work toward certifications in firefighting, emergency medical services, vehicle rescue, emergency driving, incident support, and other areas of emergency response.
Senior members respond to emergencies, attend training, maintain equipment and facilities, participate in community events, and support the agency’s daily operations. Members may choose to focus on firefighting, EMS, or both, based on their interests, abilities, training, and agency needs.
Serving as a volunteer is a meaningful way to help your community, develop valuable skills, build lasting friendships, and gain experience that may lead to a career in fire, EMS, healthcare, or public safety.
Requirements
Applicants for Senior Membership must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete the agency’s membership application and interview process.
- Successfully pass all required criminal background and driving-record checks.
- Be free from illegal drug use and comply with the agency’s drug- and alcohol-free policies.
- Demonstrate good character, maturity, honesty, dependability, and respect for others.
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties associated with their assigned role, with reasonable accommodations when applicable.
- Complete all orientation, probationary, safety, and operational training required by the agency.
- Maintain any certifications required for the duties they perform.
- Attend required meetings, training sessions, work details, and agency activities.
- Respond to calls and participate in agency operations as required by membership policies.
- Follow all agency policies, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and officer instructions.
- Maintain appropriate conduct within the agency, in the community, and on social media.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record before operating agency vehicles.
- Receive final approval for membership in accordance with the agency’s bylaws and policies.
Auxiliary Membership (Ages 18 and older)
Description
Auxiliary Membership provides an opportunity for adults to support the agency without serving as operational firefighters or EMS providers. Auxiliary members play an important role in helping the agency serve the community and remain prepared for emergencies.
Members may assist with fundraising, community events, public education, administrative work, facility support, rehabilitation and refreshments during extended incidents, equipment organization, recruitment activities, and other approved support functions.
No fire or EMS experience is required. Auxiliary Membership is a good option for individuals who want to volunteer, contribute their skills, and support local emergency services but do not wish to participate directly in emergency response.
Requirements
Applicants for Auxiliary Membership must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete the agency’s membership application and interview process.
- Successfully pass any background screening required by the agency.
- Be free from illegal drug use and comply with the agency’s drug- and alcohol-free policies.
- Demonstrate good character, honesty, dependability, and respect for others.
- Complete required orientation and safety training.
- Participate regularly in approved agency activities, meetings, events, or support functions.
- Follow all agency policies, confidentiality requirements, safety procedures, and officer instructions.
- Remain within the duties and responsibilities authorized for Auxiliary Membership.
- Maintain appropriate conduct within the agency, in the community, and on social media.
- Receive final approval for membership in accordance with the agency’s bylaws and policies.
Auxiliary members do not perform firefighting, patient-care, emergency-driving, or other operational duties unless they separately meet all training and membership requirements and are formally authorized by the agency.
Junior Membership Program (Ages 16–17)
Description
The Junior Membership Program gives young people an opportunity to volunteer with our fire and EMS agency while learning about emergency services firsthand. Junior members receive training, participate in approved department activities, assist with nonhazardous duties, and learn from experienced firefighters and EMS providers.
For anyone considering a career in firefighting, emergency medical services, healthcare, public safety, or emergency management, the program provides a realistic look at the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of serving the community. Junior members will gain valuable knowledge, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and build relationships with dedicated members of the fire and EMS community.
All activities are based on the junior member’s age, training, supervision, and applicable Virginia laws and agency policies.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be 16 or 17 years old. Members become eligible to apply for adult membership upon turning 18.
- Be enrolled in and regularly attending high school, an approved homeschool program, or an equivalent educational program.
- Maintain satisfactory attendance and passing grades.
- Demonstrate good character, maturity, dependability, and respect for others.
- Obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- Complete the agency’s membership application and interview process.
- Successfully complete any background screening required by the agency and permitted by law.
- Remain free from illegal drug use and comply with the agency’s drug- and alcohol-free policies.
- Follow all agency rules, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and instructions from supervising members.
- Attend required meetings, training sessions, and assigned activities.
- Maintain appropriate conduct at school, within the agency, in the community, and on social media.
- Understand that junior members may perform only those duties authorized for their age, training level, and supervision.
Safety and Operational Limitations
Junior members will not be placed in situations that exceed their training or that are prohibited for minors. Participation at emergency scenes and in training exercises will be strictly controlled by agency policy, supervising officers, and Virginia law. Education, personal safety, and academic responsibilities will always take priority over agency participation.